Jal Panthers (Jal, NM) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Tucumcari Rattlers (Tucumcari, NM), 53-43 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Jal upgrades its record to 2-3 on the season. The Panthers travel to Newcomb (Newcomb, NM) to clash with the Skyhawks in a non-league bout on Saturday, December 16. The Skyhawks go into the bout with a record of 4-3. Newcomb won 72-46 in their recent non-league bout against Tatum (Tatum, NM)

Next up, the Rattlers clash with the Tatum Coyotes (Tatum, NM) in a non-league bout, on Saturday, December 16. Tucumcari will attempt to upgrade on its 1-5 season record. The Coyotes go into the bout with a 1-9 record after their 72-46 non-league loss to Newcomb (Newcomb, NM).